FASHION AND MUSIC ICON DAVID BOWIE DIES AT 69

David Bowie, the legendary musician and fashion icon whose influence on culture was so strong that it merited an 2013 touring exhibition by London’s Victoria & Albert Museum, has died of cancer after an 18-month battle. He was 69 years old.

Bowie, who was born David Robert Jones in England, was one of the first rock stars to play with fluidity of gender, especially while portraying his “Ziggy Stardust” character in the 1970s. He even wrote a hit song entitled “Fashion” and in his 1980s’ hit, “Let’s Dance,” he urged listeners to “put on your red shoes and dance the blues.” His most recent (and 25th) album, Blackstar, was released last Friday.

He also had a prominent film and stage character, appearing in title role of Broadway’s The Elephant Man, and such films as The Hunger and The Man Who Fell to Earth. His music can currently be heard in the Off-Broadway hit Lazarus, which also based on The Man Who Fell to Earth.

Bowie is survived by his wife, the fashion model Iman, their daughter Alexandria, and his son Duncan by his first wife Angie.